Fact Check: Viral ‘Mugshot’ Sparks False Rumors of D4vd’s Arrest in Murder Case

Social media rumors about D4vd’s arrest prove false amid ongoing investigation

False claims that rising music artist D4vd was arrested for the murder of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez have spread rapidly across social media platforms, prompting confusion among fans and highlighting the persistent problem of misinformation online.

The rumors gained significant traction after an image purporting to be an “official mugshot” of the 20-year-old singer began circulating widely. However, fact-checkers quickly identified the image as a digitally altered photograph taken at the Ottolinger Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025-2026 Show, which D4vd attended earlier this year. The photo had been manipulated to resemble a police booking photo and falsely labeled as coming from the Los Angeles Police Department.

Community notes attached to the viral posts eventually helped correct the record, pointing out the deceptive nature of the image and the absence of any credible reporting on such an arrest.

The Los Angeles Police Department has not announced any arrest in connection with Rivas Hernandez’s death, nor has D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, been publicly identified as a suspect in the case. No major news outlets have reported an arrest, further indicating the claims are fabricated.

According to previous LAPD statements cited by local media, the investigation into Rivas Hernandez’s death remains active. Medical examiners have yet to determine the official cause and manner of death, which has likely contributed to the speculation surrounding the case.

Sources close to the investigation indicate that D4vd has been cooperating with authorities throughout the process. A spokesperson for the artist previously told NBC 4 that he is actively working with investigators to help uncover the truth about what happened to the teenager.

While police reportedly searched a property connected to the singer as part of their investigation, this standard investigative procedure does not imply guilt or imminent arrest. Law enforcement officials typically explore multiple avenues during homicide investigations before making any arrests or filing formal charges.

The viral spread of these false claims demonstrates how quickly unverified information can proliferate on social media platforms. Within hours, the fabricated post on X (formerly Twitter) had been shared thousands of times, with many users accepting the claim at face value despite the lack of official confirmation.

The incident highlights the increasingly challenging media environment where celebrities and public figures can become targets of damaging rumors that spread faster than they can be debunked. For emerging artists like D4vd, who gained popularity through platforms like TikTok before signing with major labels, such false allegations can potentially impact their reputation and career trajectory.

Media literacy experts point out that this case represents a common pattern in digital misinformation: the use of manipulated imagery combined with sensational claims about celebrities to drive engagement. The emotional nature of cases involving young victims like Rivas Hernandez further amplifies the spread of unverified information.

Authorities continue to urge the public to rely solely on verified sources and official statements regarding ongoing investigations. Sharing unsubstantiated claims not only risks damaging reputations but can also interfere with active police work by spreading confusion or potentially compromising sensitive aspects of an investigation.

As the investigation into Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death continues, both police and D4vd’s representatives have maintained a measured approach, focusing on the facts rather than responding to every rumor that emerges online.

For now, fans and followers are encouraged to await official statements from authorities and credible news outlets rather than contributing to the spread of unverified information across social media channels.